Monday, April 6, 2020
Welcome to another edition of RV Travel’s Daily Tips newsletter. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and living tips from the pros, travel advice, a handy website of the day, tips on our favorite RVing-related products and, of course, a good laugh. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.
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Today’s thought
“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Caramel Popcorn Day!
Did you see the news? Click here to read the latest issue of the Sunday News for RVers.
Coronavirus Updates for RVers
Coronavirus Updates for RVers
Because so much is happening, and so fast, we are separating our daily coronavirus news updates into its own file.
There is so much interest now on how the virus is impacting our lives as RVers, our staff is devoting more time to keeping you informed of critical matters that affect how you use and travel with your RV.
Read today’s coronavirus news updates for RVers.
New Facebook Group: How the coronavirus is impacting RVers. Learn about park closings, cancelled rallies and RV shows — and more. Your input requested.
If you are a member of an RV club or are affiliated with an RV-related event would you please let us know if its gatherings, meetings, etc., are cancelled or postponed because of the coronavirus? We’ll pass along the info to our readers. We appreciate any news related to RVing that’s being affected by the virus. Please submit it here. Thank you!
RV Life in a Coronavirus World: A grateful park host
We have asked RVtravel.com readers to tell us how they are adapting to life these days.
“We are full-timers and hunkered down in Arizona now and every difficult evolving day I am filled with gratitude …
Despite the fact that we had scored numerous reservations in a variety of National and State Parks rather than just bee-lining it back north for the summer. This was to be our year to travel and check off a lot of places on our bucket list. Okay, MY bucket list!” Continue reading Nanci’s thoughtful story.
Today’s deals at Amazon. Click
Tip of the Day
How about some dump station decorum?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Most of us picked up on life’s little niceties when we were young, say, in kindergarten. Sharing. Taking turns. Working at developing patience. For the most part we see it in our fellow RVers – courtesy seems like a general rule among most. But still, there are areas where it seems like some need those little “gentle reminders.”
For those who spend months camped out on government land outside of Quartzsite, Arizona, you already know most of the drill. With thousands of RVers plunked down on four Long Term Visitor Areas, and limited dump stations to serve all, lines leading up to those spots can get pretty long. Read more.
Do you have a tip? Submit it here.
RV fluorescent lights gone dim – What gives?
An RVer who was hooked up to shore power reported a sudden “dimness” in his fluorescent lights. Then a short time later they all simply failed to turn on. Meantime, his incandescent lamps were shining away brilliantly. Well, RV Tech Detectives, what do you think was the problem? Find out here.
Reader poll
Another poll
We asked this yesterday but had technical problems. So here we go again:
How badly do you need the money coming soon from the government? Respond here.
Many drug store shelves are empty. Make sure you’re stocked up on Tylenol. Click here.
Readers tell us
Do you own a boat? (So many of you do that we’re thinking of changing our name to BoatTravel.com…kidding, of course.) See what types of boats fellow RVers own here.
Helpful resources
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION.
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION.
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT.
• LATEST RV RECALLS.
Quick Tip
Check if your RV is level from the driver’s seat!
“Regarding leveling of a rig… I have a class B+ motorhome with no leveling jacks. What I have done is to mount small adhesive levels on the dash and another either on the driver’s or passenger window (or both). This allows me to easily see how level I’m at from the driver’s seat when pulling in. If not level, it allows me to easily determine where to put my leveling blocks. Another plus, it gives me an indication of the road grade and lets me anticipate what gear I should be in before the transmission automatically shifts.” — Thanks for the tip, Dale Lage! You can find some of those levels here.
Canceled travel plans = an upset wife? Here’s the perfect gift…
If your travel plans have been canceled and the wife is upset, this earring and necklace combo is the perfect gift to cheer her up! (Or, ladies, you can just buy this adorable combo for yourself!) We think all the ladies of the RVtravel.com staff need this… Chuck? Learn more or order here (trust us, you’ll get major brownie points.).
Random RV Thought
With many of the possessions of our lives, the expectation of acquiring the object is often more exciting than the product itself. Whether it’s a new camera, dress or home sprinkler system, we dream about the item and how it will enhance our life. But usually, once acquired, the product soon becomes just another possession. That’s not true with an RV, which continues to captivate most owners for years and years. Perhaps it’s because an RV is more than a “thing.” It’s a magic carpet that takes us on grand, memorable adventures. Anyone who has traveled with their small children in an RV and then had to sell the RV years later can come to tears seeing the RV drive away with all its memories. An elderly couple, too old to travel anymore, will likely feel the same.
Website of the day
The deadliest highway in every state
This certainly isn’t one of our most cheerful websites of the day, but it is an interesting one. Ever wondered what the deadliest highway in your state is? This list from CBS News will tell you. And maybe be extra cautious when traveling on these highways.
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
• Campground pet peeves – specifically, campground jerks.
• RV Shrink: A frightening example of the importance of vigilance while traveling.
• Do motorhome owners really need a “toad”?
#902-1
New book a must-have for state park campers!
This newly published book, “50 States: 500 State Parks,” is a must-have for all state park campers and explorers. The book is a beautiful visual journey through America’s best state parks. Whether you’re looking for stunning vistas, rare wildlife, a dose of history, or an enjoyable hike, the state parks offer an array of experiences. Learn more or order.
Trivia
Santa Claus is legally allowed to drive his sleigh. In 1927, the man in the red suit was given a pilot’s license from the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aeronautics William P. MacCracken.
Leave here with a laugh
Stay inside, isolate or practice social distancing, clean yourself. … OMG, I’ve become a house cat!
Today’s Daily Deals at Amazon.com
Best-selling RV products and Accessories at Amazon.com. UPDATED HOURLY!
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RV Daily Tips Staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Managing editor: Emily Woodbury. Senior editor: Diane McGovern. Advertising director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.
This website utilizes some advertising services. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
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We shop monthly since we have ample space in the pantry, a good sized residential fridge, and an external freezer/fridge in the basement that runs on 12v or 110 circuit. WE keep some precooked costco frozen meals and lots of fresh veggies we usually buy @ farmers markets and roadside food stands. We plan somewhat for the month and cook in large batches so we will have leftovers. So cooking once can cover dinner for two, sometimes a third day according to what it is. WE are hunkered down at home base and Walmart now delivers. There is always a silver lining, you just have to look for it, sometimes you have to look hard…
Must be the 48% down voting you. There is no ‘one shoe fits all’ in this world, but for me, a shower every day for the past 72 years is refreshing and keeps my bride happy. Happy wife, happy life 🙂
just want to say how I appreciate receiving the RV news daily! it is always really interesting and I drool over the places others share. hope to get out on the road once our ‘landing gear’ is installed. I can hardly wait! hope i’ll be well enough (cancer) to be able to go places and enjoy life for as long as it lasts!
I’ve been reading RV travel for several years now and just signed up for a monthly contribution. At this time we need this valuable information more than ever. It’s not just a nice thing to have but it is really necessary information for RVers. I would urge others to give to keep this important newsletter and information coming.
Thanks for your kind words, John, and for your financial support. We appreciate it, and you, very much! We’re working our patooties (technical term) off more than ever to keep our valued readers informed during this crisis. Your, and others’, support makes this possible. Thank you, and stay healthy. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Light bulb moment!!! Re: Laugh of the day. Because immune systems of the human kind are very much being talked about right now, and a cat was mentioned in the LaughOTD, here’s a thought. Did anyone ever wonder about a cats immune system?
The purrefectly wonderful fur friend (of which we’ve had many), eats bagged or canned mystery food, goes to the box – does its thing, then retires to a sunny window sill or other sleeping quarters, lifts a leg starts cleaning the house, when done goes into a deep trance, until its time to do it all over again.
Think about this!
Think about Mommy and Daddy sneezing on our pal -about all the “stuff” it stepped in or body grooms and ………!
That’s an immune system to envy!
Now I am getting worried, cats are not immune to this garbage, they said animals can’t get it ,now a cat at the Bronx Zoo has come down with it.
Yeah, scary stuff. A tiger is infected, apparently from an infected but asymptomatic zookeeper, and several other cats have symptoms. All are expected to survive. —Diane at RVtravel.com
Today I read that a tiger got Covid-19 from the zoo keeper. So a cats immune system can’t be that good. Scary \
I don’t know, they discovered a tiger in the Bronx Zoo with Coronavirus.
Yes navy showers are great. Already have your soap in hand and lather. I use one of those puffs that lathers quickly and rinses faster than any wash cloth.
Also have short hair when boon docking. And install a compost toiler.
One addition is to buy a soap that lathers quickly and rinses off quickly leaving no body residue.
Hasn’t anyone bought a compost toilet? I have been wanting to change mine out but have not found the measurements needed. As soon as I find one with the features I want the water guzzler is out of my camper.
When done correctly, composting is the way to go. But correctly! There is no odor and the contents are non toxic when done right.
As far as toilet paper is concerned a hand bidet is the way to go. It’s also cleaner with minimal use of paper.
Don’t mean to squash your joy over the composting toilet, but I suggest you watch this video. The Fit RV is a couple that has been rv’ing for years, James is an engineer and has quite a few videos where he has reviewed lots of products and procedures for “fixing rv problems. They converted to a “composting toilet” and used it for over a year then posted this video. I think you will find it interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM71d8wMuUU
Before Covid-19, I would stock up on the basics monthly. Then each week I would decide what to cook and go buy what was needed along with the perishables. But now during Covid-19, I am only buying monthly and making sure I am stocked up on essentials. The only good out of all of this is that it is forcing me to think ahead for the month and beyond. Stay safe and healthy.
I’m a little emotional saying goodbye to our 2015 that we took to Alaska and we are getting a different one! Many memories whether children or not.
Shopping, whether on the road or at home, is usually determined by when we run out of ½ & ½ for our coffee. Yup.
Have you tried Mini Moo from Land of Lakes? It’s shelf-stable ultrapasturized ½ & ½. I don’t have a box but the shelf life is something like 3-6 months. Walmart has it and I think I’ve seen it at Costco
I have, Irv. I think I used to get it in some truck stops too. We use a ‘frother’ for our cream in the coffee (yeah, we really do!) and I’m not sure if the “Mine Moo” would froth.
It’s called “priorities,” Tommy. 😆 —Diane at RVtravel.com
The pole that disgusts me the most is that only 52% of people take a shower every day. No wonder people think that older people smell. Shower up people………your retired, have lots of time, aleast take a Navy bath, Ill bet you dont change your underwear every day either. My wife and I hold each other most of the night and just can`t imagine………………………………………
We go shopping for bottled water a couple times a week. Plus we get fresh vegetables and banana 🍌and milk in small bottles.
I hope you are buying bottled water for drinking and cooking in the 2 gal jugs to cut down on the plastic waste.
Roger, why pick on “bottled water” in your campaign to discourage “plastic waste”??
Did you know around the world (do the stat on Mexico alone) how many times more “BOTTLED” sugar based drinks (and related) are bought over plain drinking “WATER” ??
Bet when you get the data you’re missing you’ll rethink the war on “bottled water” – to cut down not only on “plastic waste” but misinformation fed you by loonie single tracked environmentalists, who’ve commandeered a lazy media indoctrinating YOU!
Just a suggestion but you can install a 5.0 water filter, connected to the campground water supply. The filter can also be used to fill your freshwater tank. With this setup, there would be no need to purchase bottled water thus saving money and the environment.
For some reason the past week or so I have been experiencing problems reading your new letter, it is if someone is scrambling the web page and it doesn’t always correct itself. Your site is the only one I am having difficulty with, is something going on that I can correct? Is something wrong on your end.
Try clearing your browser’s cache. Exact steps for doing this depends on the browser you are using but they all have a cache that sometimes gets corrupted.
Check if you are using the latest version of your browser or better still change browsers. Try Chrome if you aren’t using it.
Strange….rock solid for me?!?!
I answered your poll regarding shopping for groceries based on normal circumstances. We try to eat fresh fruits & vegetables and utilize local farmers markets in our travels (fun & interesting!). Under the present Covid-19 situation, our shopping is much more limited.
Lucky you Susan. Unfortunately in this big old world of RV travel, those of us in Canada will have to wait another few months to indulge our “Farmers Markets”. Until then our oranges & limes are anything but fresh off the tree. Envy you!